News: Logan Couture had a tip-in goal and five shots in the Sharks win on Tuesday.
Analysis: That's game-winning goals in back-to-back games for Logan Couture. With 11 points in eight games, Couture has been as hot as a player can get this postseason.
News: T.J. Galiardi had an assist nn Tuesday's win over Los Angeles, his first point this postseason.
Analysis: After finishing the season very strong, T.J. Galiardi has all but disappeared from the Sharks' boxscore. His ice-time has shown this as well, dropping into the fifteen-minute range over the last three games.
News: Joe Thornton had one assist in his 19:39 on ice for the Sharks Tuesday.
Analysis: That assist puts Joe Thornton on a three-game point streak and he's got nine points in eight games this postseason. He's been crucial for the Sharks and played incredibly in the first period Tuesday. Jumbo Joe is living up to his name.
News: Joe Pavelski had an assist and three shots in the Sharks victory Tuesday.
Analysis: Joe Pavelski is on a tear and with Couture on his line, there's no sign of this stopping. He's been on the ice for 17 goals and only one against this postseason.
News: Mark Stone is expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 4.
Analysis: Mark Stone would take Cory Conacher's place alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek on the Sens' top line, as head coach Paul MacLean indicated the need for a big body to battle in front of the net. Stone recorded a line of 15/23/38 in 54 games with AHL Binghamton this season, but failed to scratch the scoresheet in four NHL contests.
News: Cory Conacher is expected to be a healthy scratch for Wednesday's Game 4.
Analysis: If Cory Conacher does sit, Mark Stone will take his place alongside Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek on the Sens' top line. Stone recorded a line of 15/23/38 in 54 games with AHL Binghamton this season, but failed to scratch the scoresheet in four NHL contests.
News: Johnny Boychuk scored a goal in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Rangers.
Analysis: Johnny Boychuk, who had just one goal and six points in 44 regular season games, now has four goals in 10 playoff contests to date, which gives him 10 goals in 55 career postseason games overall. While Boychuk earns most of his keep with his rugged presence -- he leads the playoffs with 37 blocked shots and is tied for fifth with 41 hits -- on the Bruins' blueline, it's not a complete fluke that he has found a scoring touch, given that he possesses a booming shot.
News: Derek Stepan was held scoreless despite a team-high five shots on goal in Tuesday's 2-1 to Boston
Analysis: After having a breakout year (44 points in 48 games) during the lockout shortened regular season, Derek Stepan has been held in check during the playoffs, registering a plus-3 and just three goals in 10 games.
News: Torey Krug recorded four shots in 18:08 worth of ice time in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Rangers.
Analysis: Though Torey Krug did not record a point in the game, as he had in his first two contest since being recalled from the AHL, he turned in a nice all-around effort Tuesday, holding his own defensively, while provided a spark to the B's attack. Unless his play tapers off, Krug figures to remain in the B's lineup, even when some of his injured veteran counterparts are healthy enough to suit up.
News: Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Boston.
Analysis: After yielding five goals in Sunday's loss, Lundqvsit bounced back with a sharp performance in the loss. He stopped several breakaway's early to keep the game tied after the first 20 minutes. Unfortunately, a bad bounce led to the Rangers ultimate demise in game 3 and they now face elimination Thursday night.
